News On Japan

Four more Omicron variant cases confirmed in Japan

Dec 14 (NHK) - Japan has confirmed four more cases of infection with the Omicron coronavirus variant among arrivals in the country.

The four new cases were announced on Monday, bringing the total number of confirmed Omicron cases in Japan to 17.

Health ministry officials say the four individuals tested positive for the coronavirus upon arrival at the airport between December 6 and 9.

Further analyses of their samples by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases confirmed they had Omicron.

The four are: a man in his 40's who arrived in Narita Airport last Monday after staying in Nigeria; a woman in her 20's who arrived at Kansai Airport on Wednesday after staying in the United States; a man in his 30's who arrived at Narita Airport also on Wednesday after staying in Kenya; and a man in his 20's who arrived at Haneda Airport on Thursday after staying in the United States.

Officials say all four are being treated in medical or other facilities.

They say three of them received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine and have no symptoms.

The officials are checking whether the remaining person has been vaccinated.

There were about 350 other passengers on the same flights as the four infected individuals and they are being regarded as having had close contact with them.

They say the passengers will be required to quarantine at accommodations for 14 days following their arrivals.

Source: ANNnewsCH

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

A fire broke out on the morning of April 2nd at a farm in Kamishihoro, a town in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido, killing approximately 20 cattle housed in a barn.

A special unit dedicated to investigating "lone offenders"—individuals who commit acts of terrorism without belonging to any specific organization—has been established for the first time in Japan within the Public Security Bureau of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.

Downtown, the popular comedy duo, has stepped down as official ambassadors for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, according to an announcement by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition.

A tour bus carrying over 20 foreign tourists collided with a van inside the Tokiwa Tunnel on the Dōō Expressway on March 31st, sending several people to the hospital.

In August 1990, two men hiking in the Scottish Highlands captured a striking photo of a silent, diamond-shaped object hovering in the sky—later dubbed "the greatest UFO photo ever taken." A Harrier jet was seen circling the object before it suddenly shot straight up and vanished. (Abroad in Japan)

The Fukuoka Prefectural Police will introduce a new recruitment track for working adults starting next fiscal year, easing both age and physical fitness requirements as part of broader efforts to combat a worsening manpower shortage.

Children on spring break took part in a zazen meditation session at Toshoji Temple in Kiho, Mie Prefecture, on March 28th to help reset their daily routines.

A growing number of women in Japan are choosing men’s-style suits for both comfort and practicality, reflecting a broader shift toward genderless fashion. From school uniforms to police attire, traditional dress codes are evolving as functionality and diversity take center stage in work and daily life.